So make sure the switches you want to use will accept the keycaps you have / want (and vice versa).Īnother option is to build a keyboard from scratch. Just keep in mind that some switches outside of the Cherry brand don’t accept standard keycaps. For example, the HyperX pudding keycaps I recently tried boost the RGB effect, while there are plenty of others that are just plain cute and / or works of art. You’ll also want to consider keycaps, but if you’re willing to swap your switches, you may also be interested in installing custom keycaps. Since you'll be putting more work into this than your average keyboard, make sure the board has any features you deem necessary, such as macro keys, media keys, RGB lighting or n-key rollover. Whether you’re looking for a full-sized keyboard or something smaller, make sure you look for ones with “hot-swappable,’ “hot swap” or “modular” switches. It’ll also be pretty quick: it took me about 90 minutes to change the switches in my full-sized, hot-swappable keyboard. With a hot swappable keyboard, you can change the switches in your board even if you don’t have any experience. A good soldering iron, such as one from our list will make short work of the task. You can change the switches in other mechanical keyboards, but it requires soldering, which adds to the level of difficulty. The easiest way to get new switches into a keyboard is to buy a hot-swappable keyboard. For this article, I used Kailh Silent Red Switches, which you can buy at NovelKeys. Amazon has a selection, and a number of enthusiast sites sell them too, including AliExpress, MechanicalKeyboards, 1UPKeyboards and Drop. There are a few places you can buy switches. If you already know what one switch feels like, you can compare its specs to other switch types to get a sense of ones you haven’t tried before. Vendor websites also have descriptions of their switches, including total travel, actuation point and force required. These are readily available, including via Amazon, and are usually available sold by switch brand ( Cherry MX, Gateron, et cetera). Remember, you can try out different switch types by buying a switch tester for about $20-$30. If you’re considering changing a keyboard’s switches, chances are you already have a switch type in mind.
#OSU KEYPAD SWITCH REPLACEMENT HOW TO#
How to Swap Out Your Keyboard’s Switches Easilyīelow we’ll detail the easiest way to get your ideal typing experience by changing a keyboard’s hot-swappable mechanical switches.
Swapping out switches is often easier on your budget than buying numerous keyboards however, whether or not it’s easier than just buying another keyboard is debatable. It’s like having multiple keyboards in one shell. By replacing the switches, you can get an entirely new experience without having to buy a new keyboard. And the Kailh Silent Red switches I’m installing for this article aren’t available in any keyboards yet.įinally, maybe you just want some variety. For example, one of my fellow Tom’s Hardware editors loves typing on Kailh Box White switches, but those aren’t as prominent in as, say, Cherry MX Blue switches. For example, some people like having a spacebar that’s stiffer than the rest of the keys.Īnother reason to switch out switches is if your favorite switch or one that you’d just like to try is hard to find in a pre-built keyboard.
One case is if you want a different feel for some keys compared to others.
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